On this page
Can RSV Cause a Rash?
Yes. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can cause a rash, but it's uncommon. When it happens, it's usually a viral exanthem (a virus-related skin rash) that shows up while the immune system is fighting the infection. A rash is not a common symptom of RSV; most people with RSV never develop one. When a skin rash from RSV does happen, doctors consider it a viral rash rather than a separate skin disease.
Doctors see the rash far less than cough, fever, or congestion. A 2016 study found about 10% of RSV subtype B infections included a rash, compared with about 1% of subtype A. So it's possible, not typical.
Good news: in most otherwise healthy children, the rash itself is usually harmless. On its own, it doesn't mean RSV is getting worse. The main thing to watch with RSV is breathing: fast breathing, wheezing, or working hard to breathe.
If a mild, spotty rash appears but your child is breathing comfortably and staying hydrated, it typically fades as the illness runs its course. If anything about the rash worries you, check the section below on when to see a doctor.
Key takeaway: An RSV rash can happen, but it's rare and usually harmless.
What Does an RSV Rash Look Like?
Most RSV-related rashes look like small red or pink spots or patches. They're flat or slightly raised and can merge into bigger blotches. They usually start on the torso or face and can spread to the arms and legs. It's a viral rash that's not very itchy and it generally lightens when you press on it.
Common features:
- Small red or pink spots or patches
- Flat or slightly raised; can merge into blotches
- Commonly on the torso or face first, then can spread
- Usually not very itchy; generally blanches (lightens) with gentle pressure
On darker skin tones, a viral rash can look more purple or brown than red; texture and warmth to the touch can help you spot it.
When does it usually appear?
If a rash shows up with RSV, it typically appears around days 3–5 after the first cold-like symptoms. It usually lasts only a few days (roughly 3–7) and fades as your child starts to feel better. It's not a reliable sign that the virus is ending; keep watching overall symptoms, especially breathing.
Key takeaway: An RSV rash usually looks like small red spots that appear around days 3–5 of illness and fade within a few days.
RSV Rash in Babies and Toddlers
Do babies get a rash with RSV? Not typically, but it can happen. Infants' skin is sensitive, and their immune systems are still learning.
Common reasons in little ones:
- Fever-related viral rash during the illness
- Skin irritation from constant nose-wiping (cheeks and around the nose get red)
- Diaper rash flares (swallowing lots of mucus can upset the stomach)
- A second virus at the same time (like roseola) that does cause a rash
In most cases, these rashes are mild and pass on their own. Breathing remains the bigger concern with RSV. If a new rash appears, it's a good idea to call your pediatrician—especially for babies under 3 months or if your child seems unwell. Older children and adults with RSV usually don't get a rash.
Key takeaway: In babies, a rash with RSV is uncommon and usually mild; focus on breathing and hydration.
RSV Viral Rash vs Allergic Hives (and Other Rashes)
Quick comparison: hives are raised and very itchy with rapid changes; an RSV viral rash is flatter, less itchy, and changes slowly.
| Feature | RSV viral rash | Allergic hives |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Small red/pink spots or patches; flat or slightly raised | Raised welts that can link together |
| Itch | Mild or not very itchy | Usually very itchy |
| Onset/duration | Develops gradually; stays in similar areas for a few days | Can appear suddenly; moves or changes within hours |
| Pattern | Typically starts on torso/face and can spread | Can pop up anywhere and shift around |
Note: Rash color can look different on darker skin tones; check blanching and texture, not just color.
Other rashes that can show up during an RSV illness:
- Heat rash from over-bundling during fever (small, prickly bumps in skin folds).
- Medication reaction: pink, blotchy rash a few days after starting a new drug such as an antibiotic—tell your doctor about any new medicines.
- Eczema flare: itchy, dry patches in the usual eczema areas.
- Another virus (for example, hand-foot-and-mouth or roseola) can cause its own rash.
Safety tip: Press a clear glass or your finger on the spots. If they do not fade (non-blanching) and look red or purple (petechiae/purpura), get medical care now. That's not a typical RSV rash.
Key takeaway: Itchy, raised, fast-moving welts point to hives; flat, less-itchy spots point to a viral rash.
How to Soothe the Rash and Manage RSV at Home
There's no specific rash cure. It fades as the infection clears. You can keep your child comfortable while you support their breathing and hydration.
Rash relief:
- Cool compresses on irritated skin
- Short lukewarm or oatmeal baths; pat dry
- Gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or calamine on itchy spots
- Avoid strong steroid creams unless your doctor says so
- Keep nails trimmed to prevent scratching
Easing RSV symptoms:
- Offer fluids regularly to help prevent dehydration
- Parents often use saline nose drops and a suction bulb for infants to help clear mucus; check with your doctor if you're unsure
- A cool-mist humidifier in the bedroom can help keep airways moist
- Use fever reducers (acetaminophen/ibuprofen) as directed by your doctor
- Rest matters—keep activity light
Nebulizer support: Some doctors prescribe nebulized treatments to help with breathing (not the rash). A portable mesh nebulizer like TruNeb™ can deliver prescribed medicines or saline as a fine mist. In some bronchiolitis cases, your clinician might recommend hypertonic saline (3% or 7%) to loosen mucus. These treatments are for breathing symptoms, not to treat the rash itself, and should only be started under medical guidance. Only use nebulized medicines or saline if your doctor tells you to. Antibiotics don't treat RSV.
⚠️ Don't use steam inhalers for breathing medications. They heat water into steam but don't deliver medicine the way a nebulizer does.
Key takeaway: Soothe the skin, support breathing and fluids, and the rash will usually fade on its own.
When to Worry and When to See a Doctor for an RSV Rash
⚠️ Call 911 or go to the ER right away if your child has trouble breathing, turns blue or gray, or has a rash with purple spots that don't fade when pressed.
- Trouble breathing: fast, shallow breaths; ribs pulling in; flaring nostrils; pauses in breathing
- Blue or gray color on lips, face, or fingernails
- Signs of dehydration: very few wet diapers, dry mouth, no tears when crying
- High fever, or any fever in a baby under 3 months
- Extreme sleepiness, limpness, or unusual confusion
- Neck stiffness or severe headache with rash and fever
- Rash that spreads quickly, looks bruise-like or purple (petechiae/purpura), or does not fade when pressed
- Rash with swelling of lips/face or trouble breathing (possible allergic reaction)
- Babies under 3 months with any fever or breathing concerns should be evaluated promptly
If you're ever unsure or the rash worries you, it's always okay to call your child's doctor for guidance.
Key takeaway: A mild RSV rash alone is usually not an emergency, but trouble breathing, blue color, or a purple, non-fading rash need urgent medical care.
FAQs about RSV and Rashes
Tap or click a question below to see the answer:
No. An RSV rash is uncommon—most people with RSV never develop a rash.
An RSV rash usually lasts a few days—roughly 3–7 days—and fades as the infection improves.
Not necessarily. Unlike roseola, an RSV rash can show up during the illness. Focus on overall symptoms, especially breathing.
No. The RSV rash is a skin reaction. RSV spreads through respiratory droplets, not by touching the rash.
It's rare. Adults with RSV usually have cold-like symptoms without a rash.
Key takeaway: The rash isn't the main issue with RSV—breathing is.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk to your doctor about your symptoms and before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
